Process information management system

ABSTRACT

In a process information management system for effectively managing process information, the system comprises an application information file  26  for storing application information relating at least each main part for each kind of product, wherein, by selecting the application information which is stored in the application information file  26,  the application information is added as information classification information for designating the selected application information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a process information management system, and in particular relates to a process information management system for managing process information relating to production processes for producing plural kinds of products on a production line.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] For example, in a factory where cars are assembled and tested, when building or introducing a new production line for a new model car, or changing the existing production line for improving the efficiency thereof, there is a necessity to assess the parts which are necessary for assembling the cars, and the number of processes which are necessary for calculating the cost of assembling those parts, with accuracy, for effectively organizing efficient work operation processes. Therefore, a management system is used for managing information related to the operation number and the process information.

[0005] In this case, as for such a management system, the following aspects are required: i.e., that it is possible to compose or organize the most suitable production line by gasping or understanding drawbacks in configuration of the production line due, for example, to any unbalance in amount of work operations necessary for production, which are examined with respect to each model to be manufactured by evaluating the distribution in the number of work operations in the production line therefor; it being possible to grasp any drawbacks in the configuration of the production line due to unbalance, and it being possible to change the composition thereof by evaluating the distribution for the respective work operation processes and examining the unbalance therein. Further, it is possible to compose the most suitable complex production line, by comparing and evaluating the distribution of the number of work operations in the complex production line with respect to the respective models and the respective work operation processes, and further by evaluating any unbalance in the amount of the work operation accompanying the differences in the constructions of the respective models.

[0006] Then, a process information management system, with which process information can be processed immediately and effectively, is already known, for example, in Japanese Laid-open Patent Hei 7-168886 (1995).

[0007] In this process information management system, the process information is provided by combining work operation number information for calculating the production cost on the basis of work operation processes for assembling and testing plural kinds of products in a production line of a factory together with work operation information indicating the work operation processes, and an element work operation record is formed by adding analysis information for analysis (i.e., classification information and search information) to the process information. This system is constructed by including a process organizing stage for organizing the work operation process by arranging each element work operation record in a time sequence, and a process evaluating stage for optionally analyzing the work operation process and for summing and estimating the process number of work operations, in other words the time being consumed on the work operation sequence for each kind of product, and therefore, is able to be recomposed in accordance with the result obtained from the evaluation, if necessary.

[0008] However, in the conventional process information management system mentioned above, when being compiled or compared on a basis of at least one of a plurality of items which can be set as classification information which is a kind of analysis information, only data which is inputted as numerical values can be used therein. Therefore, the kind of item (data) which can be inputted is limited or restricted when compiling or comparing it on the basis of the required set of items, and it is difficult to apply data which is complied or compared to the processing in other steps, thereby making effective use of the management system difficult if not impossible.

[0009] Further, with main or principal parts of the products, when adding application information for indicating whether the parts are to be applied to the product (the model) or not, or when adding information for designating (or specifying) classification information, i.e., an application code number, a worker or operator who conducts the inputting operation must input the application information for the respective element work records on the basis of the application information for respective specifications of the main parts (a destination country for shipping, a grade, etc.) which are described on a parts-list in the form of a booklet. Therefore, the number of steps in the input operation is increased, thereby decreasing the efficiency in the input work operation and prohibiting effective use of the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An object, therefore, in accordance with the present invention, for resolving the drawbacks in the conventional art mentioned in the above, is to provide a process information management system enabling effective use thereof.

[0011] For attaining the above object, in accordance with the present invention, there is proposed a process information management system for managing process information on the basis of a work operation sequence, said process information relating to processes for producing plural kinds of products on a production line and including work operation information for indicating the work operation sequences and process number information for indicating the number of processes of said work operation, said system comprising:

[0012] process compiling means for producing element work operation information by adding classification information to said process information, for composing a work process by arranging the element work operation information, and for memorizing said element work operation information as a sequence of files when said element work operation information is produced;

[0013] process evaluation means for compiling partial work operation processes on the basis of said classification information, for summing the process number information in the respective partial work operation processes selected according to the kinds of said products, and for evaluating said total work operation processes on the basis of a result of the summation of the process number information of plural kinds of products;

[0014] classification information selecting means for selecting information to be set as said classification information; and

[0015] classification information addition means for adding the information selected by said classification information selecting means as said classification information.

[0016] For resolving the above object, in accordance with the present invention described above, there is proposed a process information management system for managing process information on a basis of a work operation sequence, said process information relating to processes for producing plural kinds of products on a production line and including a work operation information for indicating the work operation sequences and a process number information for indicating a number of processes of said work operation, comprising:

[0017] process compiling means for producing an element work operation information by adding a classification information to said process information, for composing a work process by arranging the element work operation information, and for memorizing said element work operation information as a sequence of files when said element work operation information is produced;

[0018] process evaluation means for compiling partial work operation processes on the basis of said classification information, for summing the process number information in the respective partial work operation processes selected by the kinds of said products, and for evaluating said total work operation processes on the basis of a result of the summation of the process number information of plural kinds of products;

[0019] classification information selecting means for selecting information to be set as said classification information;

[0020] classification information addition means for adding the information selected by said classification information selecting means as said classification information;

[0021] application information storing means for storing application information for each kind of product by separating at least respective main parts thereof;

[0022] application information selection means for selecting said application information stored in said application information storing means; and

[0023] application information addition means for adding information designating the application information which is selected by said application information selection means as said classification information.

[0024] For resolving the above object, in accordance with the present invention, there is further proposed a process information management system as described above, wherein said application information selection means includes means for processing a plurality of the selected application information into a single unit of application information, and said application information addition means includes means for adding information designating the application information after being processed by said application information selection means to said classification information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for showing a process information management system as a whole, in accordance with the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing the same process information management system;

[0027]FIG. 3 is an explanatory view for explaining the file construction of a terminal device and a file server of the same system;

[0028]FIG. 4 is an explanatory view for explaining basic management items of element work operations;

[0029]FIG. 5 is an explanatory view for explaining the data construction of an element work operation record;

[0030]FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explanation of the same system as a whole;

[0031]FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the process evaluation procedure of FIG. 6;

[0032]FIG. 8 is an explanatory view for explaining one example of a screen for summing process numbers explained in FIG. 7;

[0033]FIG. 9 is an explanatory view for explaining one example of a screen for setting classification conditions explained in FIG. 7;

[0034]FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explanation of adding processing of the classification information to the element work operation information;

[0035]FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of an application code table;

[0036]FIG. 12 is an explanatory view for explaining an input method for producing the application code table;

[0037] FIGS. 13(a) to (d) are explanatory views for explaining the production of the application code table;

[0038]FIG. 14 is an explanatory view for explaining setting of the application code;

[0039]FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a code list for explaining setting of the application code;

[0040]FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of an example of display of application contents for explaining the setting of the application code; and

[0041]FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining the process for adding the application code to the element work operation information.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Hereinafter, detailed explanation of the embodiments according to the present invention will be given by referring to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for showing a process information management system as a whole, according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing the same process information management system.

[0043] The process information management system is constructed with a plurality of terminal devices 1 and a file server 2, which are connected as a local area network (LAN) 4 to one another through connecting devices 3. The process information management system as a whole is connected to a central processing device of a production management system for the overall management of the production functions in a factory as a whole through the LAN 4.

[0044] Each terminal device 1, comprising a personal computer and peripheral devices thereof which are well-known, includes: a main body portion 14 including a central processing unit (CPU) 11 for processing various kinds of data, a program memory unit 12 for storing control programs and other fixed data which are necessary to process the various kinds of data, and a working memory 13, comprising for example a RAM and/or other memory means, for storing working data; a keyboard 15 for inputting various information; a display device 16 (i.e., a CRT display device) for displaying various information thereon; and a printer device 17 for outputting various kinds of information as print copy, etc.

[0045] Here, in the program memories 12 of the plural terminal devices 1, as shown in FIG. 3, there are memorized or stored: a process table 18 for arranging all element work operation information or a part thereof which composes or comprises the element work operation information on the basis of classification information or search information contained therein (both are analysis information for analyzing the process information); a search table 19 for arranging the search information on the basis of a predetermined logical relationship; and an operation process number table 20 for partially summing them and arranging the summed operation process numbers in total according to each model and each kind of derivation thereof.

[0046] Now, turning to FIG. 2, the file server 2 comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 21 for processing various data; a program memory unit 22 for storing fixed data, such as control programs or the like which are necessary for processing the various kinds of data; a working memory 23 comprising RAM for storing the working data, and other memory means; and, a file memory for storing various kinds of files.

[0047] In the file memory, there are stored various kinds of files, including: an element work operation file 24 for filing element work operation information (i.e., element work operation data); a part data file 25 for filing data related to parts; an application information file 26 for storing application information (i.e., an application code table) for each kind of product (or each model of product to be produced) and an application code number for designating the application code table, at least for the main parts thereof; a parameter file 27 for storing parameters which are set in advance, such as details of each work operation process, for the purpose of summing up the total work operation number of the model, the derivation or the production line, to which all element work operation information is applied; an assembly drawing name file 28 for storing names of assembly drawings; and a part name file 29 for storing names of parts, etc. These files 23-29 are files which are stored in the file memory. However, they are illustrated as blocks for clarification of explanation thereof.

[0048] Here, in the element work operation information (hereinafter also referred to as the element work operation data), explanation will be given by referring to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0049] Management of the number of operation processes on the basis of the element work operation is done by use of a file which is made, as shown in FIG. 4, by adding various information including function applicability, equipment applicability, function, operation position, operation classification, body number, zone, group in charge, sub-group, operation number, category, module, assembly drawing number, difficulty of operation, tools, attachment, supplemental material, etc., to the basic items of management, including part number, operation name of part, destination of installation, number of articles, element, and number of work operations.

[0050] The number of operations, in this case, is classified or divided into main operations and supplemental operations, in the operations of an element, and with these main operations and supplemental operations, both are further subdivided into basic main or principal operations, supplemental operations for establishing the main operation or the supplemental operation, and quasi-operations such as preparation or post-handling for the main operations, so as to be analyzed by using a unified method for standardization, such as so-called MOST method.

[0051] Next, the element work operation record 41, as shown in FIG. 5, is constructed by adding the classification information 43 and the search information 44 to the operation content information 42. The operation content information 42 is constructed with, as mentioned above, the work operation information 45 for indicating work operation sequence, which is constructed by dividing the work operations that are necessary for the production (assembling and testing) on a production line in a factory and combining same with the part number, and work operation number information 46 which is set for each element work operation in the manner as mentioned above, etc.

[0052] Further, the classification information 43 is information that functions as a key for classification in order to classify all operation content information 42 in accordance with the respective uses on the operation process tables and to store it into the element work operation file 24. In this classification information 43 there can be set a management number 47 for managing each assembly drawing by means of the assembly drawing number, a process number 48 for indicating each work operation process by the process number, and an application code number 49 for identifying (designating) application information of the main parts for each kind of product. I In addition thereto, the various kinds of information which are added to the basic items for management for use in the process management by the element work operations which are mentioned above can be set thereinto.

[0053] Further, the search information 44 is information that functions as a search key for searching each item of operation content information 42 among the element work operation files 24, for example, for respective uses in evaluation of the work operation processes. In the information, there can be set various data, including: construction function information 51 for selecting the functional element, which constructs, for example, the basic functions of the car or the functions as optional specifications thereof; work operation position information 52 for indicating the position in the work operation; and work operation division information 53 for dividing or grouping the contents of the work operation in properties thereof, etc., which are added to the basic management items for use in the process number management by the element work operation mentioned in the above.

[0054] Next, a function of the process information management system which is constructed as described above will be explained by referring to FIG. 6 and those following.

[0055] First of all, referring to FIG. 6, in this management system, it is decided whether a process composition has been designated or not, and if the process composition has been designated, processing for the process composition is carried out. In this processing for the process composition, an operator (or a manager of the process) produces the element work operation information (the element work operation record) 41 in which the classification information 43 and the search information 44 are added to the work operation content information 42, by inputting the work operation content information 42, the classification information 43, and the search information 44, etc., through the terminal device 1, for each model to be produced with reference to an assembly drawing constructing a unit of the assembly drawings of the car. The thus-produced work operation record 41 is then arranged in time sequence, by each process number of which each work operation process constructing the unit of the production line has, so as to compose the work operation process (here, that composing is called a work operation process table), as well as to be stored into the element work operation file 24 as a file every time that the element work operation record 41 is produced.

[0056] Further, if the process composition has not been decided, then it is further decided whether the process evaluation has been designated or not. When the process evaluation has been designated, processing for the process evaluation is carried out. In the processing of the process evaluation, a partial work operation process is compiled by classifying all the work operation processes on the basis of the classification information 43 which is added to the element work operation records 41, and each item of process number information 46 in each element work operation process is summed up for each kind of product. Thereby the process of evaluating the entire work operation process is conducted on the basis of the summed result of the process number information 46 for each kind of product.

[0057] Further, if the process evaluation has not been decided, then it is decided whether the summation of the operation process number has been designated or not. When this summation of the operation process number has been designated, the processing of summation of the operation process number is carried out. In this processing of summation of the work operation process number, the process operation number is obtained by summing up the process number information of each work operation process, and these process operation numbers are summed up on all of the work operation tables which are necessary for the production line. Then, a process for obtaining the total operation number of the production line on the terminal device 1 is conducted.

[0058] Furthermore, if the summation of the operation process number has not been designated, then it is decided whether a process approval has been designated or not. When the process approval has been designated, processing for the process approval is carried out. In this processing of the process approval, the process manager approves that the composed operation content information and the total operation number of the production line are appropriate on the display device 16 of the terminal device 1. Upon the approval by the process manager, all of the operation process tables are stored into the file server 2 together with the total operation numbers of the respective production lines, and this is additionally printed out, and a process for sending certain information to the central controller of the production managing system is conducted.

[0059] Here, the processing of the process evaluation will be explained by referring to FIG. 7. In this process evaluation processing, first of all, the process table 18 is checked to decide whether it has already been approved or not. If it is not yet approved, then it is decided whether a search is to be conducted or not. If a search is to be conducted, processing for setting the search condition(s) for selecting an arbitrary search condition from the search information 44 is carried out, and the search is conducted on the basis of the selected search condition. The group of element work operation records which are searched out is arranged on the process table 18, and the work operation numbers in each group of the element work operation records arranged on the process table 18 are summed up. Obtaining the summed process number as the result of the summation, the summed process number is divided and arranged into the respective kinds of the derivations, thereby forming a picture or image on the screen of a process number summation, so as to display on the display device 16 the summed process number with each group of the element work operations which are arranged.

[0060] Further, if a search is not to be conducted, then it is decided whether a classification is to be set or not. If a classification is to be set, a classification condition setting processing for selecting an arbitrary classification condition(s) from the classification information 43 is carried out, and the classification is carried out on the basis of the selected classification information 44. The classified groups of the element work operations are arranged on the process table 18, and the work operation numbers in each group of the element work operations which are arranged on the process table 18 are summed up. Obtaining the summed process number as the result of the summation, the summed process number is divided and arranged into the respective kinds of the derivations, thereby forming a picture or screen of process number summation, so as to display on the display device 16 the summed process number with each group of the element work operations which are arranged.

[0061] This picture or screen image of the process number summation is, as shown in FIG. 8, constructed with: a title region 61 where the name of the present picture or screen being displayed in the process which is now proceeding is displayed; an operation process table region 62 where concrete work operation processes are displayed in lines one by one along with the production lines; a summed operation number table region 63 where the operation number is summed up for each kind of the derivation in each work operation process to be displayed; a note region 64 where an article for a note relating to the displayed work operation process is displayed; and a process indication region 65 where the operator can indicate various kinds of instructions for indicating concrete processes or messages.

[0062] In the title region 61, however, there are displayed a continuous series of numbers of the corresponding production lines and the mode name of the production, etc. Further, in the operation process table region 62, there is provided a title display region 66 for displaying a title on the basis of the classification information 43 and the search information 44, and in the summed operation number table region 63, there are provided operation number display regions 67 of derivations, for displaying the respective operation numbers and the numbers of parts, being separately arranged for the respective kinds of derivations.

[0063] Here, more definite procedures of the process evaluation will be explained by referring to FIG. 9. This procedure is started in either a case where the operator composes a new operation process after execution of the process composing process and the process table 18 is already formed in the terminal device 1, or, in another case where the operator directly selects the execution of the process evaluation from a menu screen so as to evaluate the element work operation file 24 which is already stored (or registered) in the file server 2.

[0064] First, in the case where the process table 18 has already been produced, a message for prompting approval thereof is displayed on the screen for displaying the process number summation, which is explained with reference to FIG. 9, and the process information management system is allowed to execute the processing for approving the process when the operator indicates the approval through the terminal device 1 responding to the message. At this time, if an indication for denying the approval is given, if the process table 18 which is already produced is not maintained in the terminal device 1, then the message for prompting the search or the classification is displayed on the screen, and therefore, the processing corresponding to either the search or the classification is started, while waiting for the instruction thereof from the operator.

[0065] For example, when the classification is instructed, the screen for setting up the condition(s) for the classification, as shown in FIG. 9, is displayed on the screen of the display device 16. This screen for setting up the condition for the classification is divided into a title region 71 for showing the title of the screen in the process which is currently in progress; a classification condition table region 73 for displaying a list of classification conditions, by arranging the input sections or columns 72 of the classification information (i.e., the classification keys) for successively displaying each classification information which is inputted, depending on the respective kinds of thereof; and a process indicating region 74 for displaying guidance, various instructions and messages.

[0066] Further, in the input sections or columns 72 of the classification information, there are provided a plurality of abbreviation portions 76 for displaying the abbreviations of the classification information, respectively, positioning a title portion 75 for displaying the title of the kind of the classification information at the beginning thereof.

[0067] In addition, while looking at the screen for setting up the condition(s) for the classification, the operator makes inputs by deciding and designating the kinds of classification information by referring to the title portion 75 of the classification information, or she/he selects the abbreviation of the classification information arbitrarily by using the abbreviation menu for the different kinds, which are displayed in the processing instruction region 74. At this time, with a group of the abbreviations displayed in the abbreviation portion 76, a logic product from among all the input sections of the classification information is automatically taken for each abbreviation, and all of the obtained logic products are obtained over the classification condition table region 73 as a whole. These logic products are taken, and thereby the classification condition is set.

[0068] When the classification condition is set in this manner, the element work operation records stored in the element work operation file 24 are classified on the basis of the classifying logic equation, and a group of the element work operation records as the result of this are stored into the process table 18. The operation number of the work operation is summed separately for each model and the derivation thereof, and the result thereof is stored into the operation number table 20 and as well is displayed in the operation process table area 62 on the display device 16.

[0069] The classification information which is added to the element work operation information (the element work operation record) 41 is necessary for classifying each element work operation record of the element work operation file in accordance with the contents of the work operation. However, if there is no restriction in the form of the classification information, only the data of the numerical input can be utilized, and as the result of this, the available classification information is undesirably restricted when compilation and/or comparison is made on the basis of the specific classification information (the set items).

[0070] Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when the element work operation record is produced, information is displayed as a settable choice on the display device 16, thereby letting the operator select the classification information to be set through the inputting of the search key, and the element work operation record is produced by adding the selected classification information (the set items) to the process information. Therefore, the items which can be set as the classification information are previously restricted in the form thereof, thereby it is possible to deal with them uniformly and it is also possible to compile and/or compare them on the basis of any one of the classification information items.

[0071] Namely, in this process information management system, the classification information is added to the element work operation record so as to make it a file, through the designation of at least one set of information from the plurality of the set items which the classification information has, which is made from the terminal device by the operator. Thereby, the classification information can be selected freely among a certain number/amount of information, and it can be used in the subsequent processes.

[0072] Next, an explanation will be given on the application information which is added as the classification information.

[0073] First of all, in this management system, the application information for each main part for each kind of product(s) (i.e., an application code data table for each model) is previously stored in the application information file 26, and the application data is automatically set with respect to each work operation item by using the application code data table and the part data.

[0074] Then, for explanation of producing the application code table, as shown for example in FIG. 11, the application code table is a code table, including the managing No. for the application code, the type of the applicable operation, the abbreviation title of the application code, the reference part number of the application, and a derivation application.

[0075] In the input method of the application code table, as shown in FIG. 12, the part data of the part data file 25 is searched by inputting an application code No., a name of the type, a function No., and there are then displayed a list of names of main No. parts, a title of applied location(s), a section/item No., a derivation application, etc. When a corresponding item (i.e., a number of a part) is selected from the list, it is decided whether it is the setting of the main No. or of all part numbers. If it is the setting of the main No., all the derivation application data for each specification are set as the application data. On the other hand, if it is the setting of all part numbers, then after setting the application data of one specification, the derivation application data is displayed, and when the contents of it is checked, it is set as the application data.

[0076] For example, referring to FIG. 13, when having an application table for each part derivation of a part A (a part number 32100-SR3-0000 and a part number 32100-SR3-9000, for example) which are shown in FIGS. 13(a) and (b), if it is only the main No. (such as 32100), an application code table draws all the derivation specifications of the part, as shown in FIG. 13(c), and if it is all of the part number (such as 32100-SR3-9000), an application code table draws the part specification application, as shown in FIG. 13(d).

[0077] Further, the setting of the application code is as follows. When a list display SW is designated on the screen of the display device, as shown for example in FIG. 14, a code list of the application code No. and an application summary, as shown for example in FIG. 15, are displayed by using the application code table which is stored as one of the application information files 24. When confirmation of the contents on the selected application code is instructed, such contents of the application as shown in FIG. 16 which correspond to that application code are displayed, and when selection of the application code has been designated (or decided), then the application code and the title thereof are set.

[0078] Here, an explanation will be given by referring to FIG. 17 on a process of adding the information for designating the application information (i.e., the application code) as the classification information for the element work operation record.

[0079] First, waiting for an input for selection while displaying the list of the application code, the selected application code is taken in. When the selection is completed, it is decided whether the selected application code is a single or a plurality thereof. In this manner, the plurality of application information can be selected as that corresponding to the application code. In this case, the plurality of the application information can be selected in plural of the same application information, or in plural of the different application information.

[0080] Then, when the plurality of the application codes are selected, only one application code table is produced by processing the plurality of the application information (i.e., the application code table), and after setting a new application code thereto, or, letting it remain as is if only one application is selected, the application code No. which is newly set or selected, is added as the classification information 43 of the element work operation record.

[0081] In this manner, with provision of a means (mentioned below), by storing the application information for at least each main part for each kind of product in advance, and by selecting the stored application information and adding it as the classification information for designating the selected application information, it is possible to fully utilize the application information in common. Also, the setting of the application code which is added as the classification information becomes simple, thereby enabling effective inputting operation.

[0082] In this case, with provision of a means for processing the plurality of the application information into a single unit of application information, operation of producing the application information and setting of the application code can be made with ease.

[0083] Though the above-described process information management system is only applied to the process information management of the production line in the factory for manufacturing cars in the embodiment shown in the above, it may also be applied to a management system for managing process information in other production lines of factories for manufacturing goods other than cars.

[0084] As is fully explained in the above, in accordance with the process information management system, there is proposed a process information management system for managing process information on the basis of a work operation sequence, said process information relating to processes for producing plural kinds of products on a production line and including work operation information for indicating the work operation sequences and process number information for indicating the number of processes of said work operation, comprising:

[0085] process compiling means for producing element work operation information by adding classification information to said process information, for composing a work process by arranging the element work operation information, and for memorizing said element work operation information as a sequence of files when said element work operation information is produced;

[0086] process evaluation means for compiling partial work operation processes on the basis of said classification information, for summing the process number information in the respective partial work operation processes selected according to the kinds of said products, and for evaluating said total work operation processes on the basis of a result of the summation of the process number information of plural kinds of products;

[0087] classification information selecting means for selecting information to be set as said classification information; and

[0088] classification information addition means for adding the information selected by said classification information selecting means as said classification information, wherein variation in the setting items which can be inputted when compiling and/or comparing the process information, on the basis of a necessary one of the plurality of setting items which are settable as the classification information, can be widened or enlarged, and the system can also be applied to processing in other processes, thereby enabling effective operation of the management system.

[0089] Further, in accordance with the process information management system as defined above, there is proposed a process information management system for managing process information on the basis of a work operation sequence, said process information relating to processes for producing plural kinds of products on a production line and including a work operation information for indicating the work operation sequences and a process number information for indicating a number of processes of said work operation, comprising:

[0090] process compiling means for producing an element work operation information by adding a classification information to said process information, for composing a work process by arranging the element work operation information, and for memorizing said element work operation information as a sequence of files when said element work operation information is produced;

[0091] process evaluation means for compiling partial work operation processes on the basis of said classification information, for summing the process number information in the respective partial work operation processes selected by the kinds of said products, and for evaluating said total work operation processes on the basis of a result of the summation of the process number information of plural kinds of products;

[0092] classification information selecting means for selecting information to be set as said classification information;

[0093] classification information addition means for adding the information selected by said classification information selecting means as said classification information;

[0094] application information storing means for storing application information for each kind of product by separating at least respective main parts thereof;

[0095] application information selection means for selecting said application information stored in said application information storing means; and

[0096] application information addition means for adding information designating the application information which is selected by said application information selection means as said classification information, wherein the application information can be fully used, in common, and the input operation when adding the application information to the classification information becomes easy, thereby enabling effective operation of the management system.

[0097] Furthermore, in accordance with the process information management system of as defined above, said application information selection means includes means for processing a plurality of the selected application information into a single unit of application information, and said application information addition means includes means for adding information designating the application information after being processed by said application information selection means to said classification information. Thereby, the application information can be produced by easier operation, and the operation of adding the information for designating the application information as the classification information becomes further easier. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process information management system for managing process information on a basis of a work operation sequence, said process information relating to processes for producing plural kinds of products on a production line and including work operation information for indicating the work operation sequences and process number information for indicating a number of processes of said work operation, comprising: process compiling means for producing element work operation information by adding classification information to said process information, for composing a work process by arranging the element work operation information, and for memorizing said element work operation information as a sequence of files when said element work operation information is produced; process evaluation means for compiling partial work operation processes on a basis of said classification information, for summing the process number information in the respective partial work operation processes selected according to the kinds of said products, and for evaluating said total work operation processes on a basis of a result of the summation of the process number information of plural kinds of products; classification information selecting means for selecting information to be set as said classification information; and classification information addition means for adding the information selected by said classification information selecting means as said classification information.
 2. A process information management system for managing process information on a basis of a work operation sequence, said process information relating to processes for producing plural kinds of products on a production line and including work operation information for indicating the work operation sequences and process number information for indicating a number of processes of said work operation, comprising: process compiling means for producing element work operation information by adding classification information to said process information, for composing a work process by arranging the element work operation information, and for memorizing said element work operation information as a sequence of files when said element work operation information is produced; process evaluation means for compiling partial work operation processes on a basis of said classification information, for summing the process number information in the respective partial work operation processes selected by the kinds of said products, and for evaluating said total work operation processes on a basis of a result of the summation of the process number information of plural kinds of products; classification information selecting means for selecting information to be set as said classification information; classification information addition means for adding the information selected by said classification information selecting means as said classification information; application information storing means for storing application information for each kind of product by separating at least respective main parts thereof; application information selection means for selecting said application information stored in said application information storing means; and application information addition means for adding information designating the application information which is selected by said application information selection means as said classification information.
 3. A process information management system as described in claim 2 , wherein said application information selection means includes means for processing a plurality of items of the selected application information into a single unit of application information, and said application information addition means includes means for adding information designating the application information after being processed by said application information selection means to said classification information. 